We at the San Diego Diplomacy Council are deeply saddened by the shooting incident in Atlanta yesterday in which 8 people, 6 of whom were Asian women, lost their lives. This incident is just one of many in the rise of hate crimes and xenophobia, marking yet another tragic loss for those in the Asian-American and Pacific Islander community.
The sharp rise in xenophobia and hate crimes that have been seen across the United States emphasizes a sad truth that has been seen throughout history: Racial discrimination is not something that is solely experienced by any one group. Recent events have shown us that such incidents can occur anywhere, at any time, that any member of any particular demographic can be a victim, regardless of background.
We are reminded of our mission to promote dialogue over violence and democratic models over dictatorships. For more than 40 years, we have carried international exchange programs to assist emerging and current leaders around the world who are working tirelessly to build inclusive and democratic societies.
The AAPI community has long been an integral part of San Diego, and we greatly value their contributions. We have signed the recent resolution adopted by the San Diego City Council rejecting racism and hate. An act of violence against one person of color is an act of violence against everyone.
The San Diego Diplomacy Council remains committed to bringing together diverse perspectives to address common global challenges and promoting peace and dialogue both at home and abroad.
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